BERKELEY COUNTY
County Offices
400 West Stephen Street
Martinsburg WV 304-264-1923
www.berkeleycountycomm.org
Chamber of Commerce
198 Viking Way
Martinsburg WV 304-267-9007
www.berkeleycounty.org
Panoramic Berkeley County exemplifies the reason that West Virginia is often called “the mountain state.” Partially nestled in the northern section of the Shenandoah Valley, the county climbs up North Mountain, crosses the next narrow valley and rises again to Sleepy Creek Mountain. An area of versatility and contrasts, Berkeley County’s small towns and scenic countryside can provide the most tranquil, slow-paced atmosphere imaginable. They can also offer adrenaline-surging, heart-stopping outdoor adventure. The choice is yours.
With its dynamic economy, natural beauty and exceptional recreational opportunities, Berkeley County is well-deserving of its ranking as one of the best places to retire in America. Residents enjoy the best of all worlds: Easy access to the world-class amenities of a major metropolitan area and the friendly, small-town atmosphere of a rural environment.
Economy and Transportation
Boasting a bustling economy, Berkeley is one county where residents are more likely to work within their own community than commute to large metropolitan employment centers. Employers include leading names like General Motors, Quad Graphics, the IRS and the US Coast Guard. The city of Martinsburg serves as the commercial and retail center, offering everything from a modern regional mall and massive outlet centers to an outstanding collection of antique dealers and unique shops.
Major transportation arteries have no doubt contributed to the economic growth of Berkeley County, including Route 9 through Charles Town, Martinsburg and Hedgesville. Interstate 81 provides the north/south thoroughfare through the region, and the recently restored train station in downtown Martinsburg is a stop on the MARC commuter line. Those who want to work in metro Washington, D.C. and live in a slower-paced community have access to efficient rail mass transit. Pan Tran provides local bus service for both Berkeley and Jefferson Counties.
Education and Healthcare
Area youth receive an excellent education in public and private schools from preschool through high school. Choices for post-secondary education range from vocational or technical training to colleges and universities that award undergraduate and graduate degrees. Shepherd College in nearby Shepherdstown is a state-supported, four-year, liberal arts institution that offers degree programs in over 75 fields. Two-year and technology degrees are also available through its Community & Technical College. Also in Shepherdstown is the West Virginia University Graduate Center with 18 Master’s degree programs. Hagerstown MD is home to a Business College and Hagerstown Junior College.
While residents of Berkeley County can easily travel to the nation’s “Centers of Excellence” in Baltimore and Washington, DC, state-of-the-art healthcare is available minutes from home at Martinsburg City Hospital. In addition to a host of specializations that include critical care and intensive care centers, cancer treatment and rehabilitation centers, the hospital provides a strong network of community outreach programs.
Lifestyle
The command center for life in Berkeley County is undeniably the city of Martinsburg. Here, residents will find a pleasing blend of services, restaurants, malls and premier shopping districts that are sure to meet every need. The heart of town is anchored by a corner where commerce, government, history and culture converge – from the modern library and grand old courthouse to the Boarman House Arts Center and Farmer’s Market.
Housing options in Berkeley County are pleasingly affordable, diverse and attractive. Older homes are the rule within the municipalities, including historic colonials and Victorians or rambling old estates with plenty of character and unique architectural embellishments. Those who prefer properties without covenant restrictions will find everything from small parcels to large farms and orchards.
An expansive public service network has made it possible for beautiful new subdivisions to emerge along the outskirts of cities and towns, or even in relatively rural locations. Magnificent homes with waterfront access, a resort atmosphere or spectacular mountain and valley views are all possible. For example, situated between Berkeley and Morgan County is the Woods, a resort and vacation-home community with an 18-hole championship golf course and fairway.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Berkeley County is a paradise of rolling hills, rugged mountains, lush forests, sparkling streams and rushing rivers. Anglers will find some of the best small-mouth bass and trout fishing on the East Coast. The abundance of game and wildlife delights the avid hunter as well as the nature student or shutterbug. Bicyclists will soon understand why world-class cyclists prefer this area for touring and mountain biking, and golfers can play year round on first-rate, uncrowded courses.
Although the cultural amenities of Baltimore and Washington, DC are just a short trip by car or train, Berkeley County provides historic attractions, fascinating museums, symphonies, live stage performances, musical concerts and a full calendar of festivals and celebrations. Civic organizations and hobby clubs abound, giving newcomers an opportunity to feel immediate “at home” and welcome. With its blend of rural charm, robust economy and modern conveniences, Berkeley County delivers a rare quality of life that few locales can rival.
Bunker Hill
The unincorporated village of Bunker Hill offers the serenity and close-knit atmosphere of a small town just south of Martinsburg along Route 11. This long-established community is emerging from its rural roots as a growing residential haven. Older homes in a variety of architectural styles and price ranges dominate the housing scene, although new construction is on the rise in this land-rich area. Residents are just minutes away from the vast retail outlets of Martinsburg and the stores of nearby Inwood. Musselman High School, one of the school district’s three secondary schools, is located here. Options for specialized training or higher education close to home include the James Rumsey Vocational Training Center in Martinsburg, community colleges in Hagerstown and Cumberland (Maryland), Shepherd College in Shepherdstown WV, or Frostburg State University in Hagerstown MD and Frostburg MD.
Falling Waters
Convenient to both Hagerstown MD and Martinsburg WV, the small residential community of Falling Waters is located along Route 11. Newcomers can choose from older homes in a variety of architectural styles and price ranges in the heart of town to newer construction in growing residential developments. Commerce and industry are also staking claims in this land-rich area, from small businesses to giants like DuPont. Nearby Martinsburg WV and Hagerstown WV provide a full complement of amenities, from cultural attractions and a community college to recreational amenities like swimming pools and tennis courts. State parks, rivers, lakes and wildlife preserves are just a short distance from home for fishing, boating, paddle sports, swimming, hiking, biking and camping.
Gerrardstown
The unincorporated residential haven of Gerrardstown is located west of Inwood along Route 51. This charming small town offers quaint historical homes in a variety of architectural styles. Some vintage homes have been meticulously restored and converted to bed and breakfasts, lending a “resort” setting to the natural beauty surrounding the town. Well-kept properties, large front porches, brilliantly colored flower beds and large old shade trees create a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers and visitors alike. Retail needs are primarily met by the stores of Inwood MD, although the expanded amenities of Martinsburg WV and Hagerstown MD are just minutes from home. Recreational opportunities are virtually unlimited in regional parks and forests.
Glengary
This primarily agricultural community is located west of Gerrardstown, sharing close proximity to the expanded retail, commercial, educational and cultural amenities available in nearby Martinsburg WV and Hagerstown MD. Dominated by older homes along tree-lined streets and beautiful old farm houses that dot the countryside, Glengary is a long-established but growing residential area of rich land, open space and natural beauty. In Glengary, newcomers will discover a rare blend of peaceful country life with nearby theatres, cultural venues, fine arts centers, entertainment spots, community colleges and four-year institutions of higher learning. Vast forests and state parks provide a wealth of recreational opportunities, although tennis courts, swimming pools and golf courses are equally accessible.
Hedgesville
Located just west of Martinsburg along Route 9, the incorporated municipality of Hedgesville is home to 225 residents. Although the town offers a selection of older homes in a variety of architectural styles and price ranges, residential development and beautiful new subdivisions are flourishing throughout the area. Those who are interested in new construction will find a wealth of available land for luxurious lots and gardens, horse properties or abundant open space. On the outskirts of Hedgesville is the Eagle Plaza Shopping Center, providing goods and services that add to daily convenience. Minutes from home, residents can access the expanded shopping, cultural and recreational amenities of Martinsburg.
Inwood
Located along Route 11 outside of Martinsburg, the Locality of Inwood is becoming an increasingly popular site for residential and commercial growth. New shops and services provide convenient of goods and services for Inwood’s 1,368 residents as well as for smaller outlying towns like Bunker Hill. Like many of the long-established communities in the Eastern Panhandle, Inwood offers handsome older homes along tree-lined streets in the heart of town. However, new construction is prolific along the periphery of Inwood, fueled by abundant land and reasonable construction costs. The Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, state parks and nearby forests provide year-round recreational opportunities.
Martinsburg
Centrally located with easy access to Interstate 81, Martinsburg is a hub for commerce and recreation and home to 14,541 residents. This retail mecca is home to popular bargain centers like Blue Ridge Outlet and Tanger Shopping Outlet, the regional Martinsburg Mall, Bunker Hill Antique Mall and the kaleidoscope of unique shops that line the charming Old Town district. Steeped in history, the city claims many historic homes from the colonial era. Housing options range from handsome Victorian homes with neatly landscaped yards to newer construction in a variety of architectural styles. The local historical society maintains extensive files and microfilm that are open to researchers, and the local museum showcases the city’s railroad heritage. In addition to nearby golf courses, tennis courts and sports facilities, the area offers rivers and lakes for boating, fishing and water sports. Local celebrations, fairs and festivities add spirit and vitality to every season of the year.
Ridgeway
Situated near the border of West Virginia and Virginia, Ridgeway is a small residential haven with a pleasing mix of commercial development, farmland, well-established neighborhoods and open space. Newcomers can choose from charming older homes along quiet, tree-lined streets or modern construction with generous acreage. For expanded shopping options, nearby Inwood provides a growing number of shops and services; although the vast amenities of Martinsburg are available just a short drive from home. Vocational training centers, community colleges and four-year institutions are all nearby, adding to the allure of this relaxing, primarily rural environment. Numerous attractions in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia are easily accessible from this vantage point.
